Any students looking for private housing in the Swansea area should refer to University housing web page http://accommodation.smu.ac.uk. Included on the site are details of properties still available along with photographs to help you get an indication of what they are like before contacting the landlord. You will also get access to the University housing guide produced by our Students Union. All students can log in to the site using their University logons (P number and password) however if you are not currently a student at Swansea Metropolitan and require a guest logon to access the site then please contact the Accommodation Office on 01792 482086 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) who will be happy to provide you with one.

We have also set up a Facebook group for all students looking into renting a property; the name of the group is 'Private Accommodation Forum (Swansea Metropolitan University)'

General Information

The Accommodation Department do not personally inspect the properties listed on the website which means that no assurances can be made of their condition or if the information supplied by the landlord/landlady is entirely correct. If there are any serious issues that warrant complaint, please contact the Accommodation Office regarding your difficulties or contact the Welfare Officer in the Students Union for further help and advice. the Accommodation Department is always available to offer housing advice to those who need it.

Contracts

Tenancy agreements are legally binding documents that give the resident of the property a break down of what is expected of them and what to expect from the landlord/landlady for the duration of the term.

Your contract will be for a fixed term but can run for various periods of time.

• 6 months

• 9 months

• 12 months

The Accommodation Department at the University can give feedback on your contract as well as answer any questions you have regarding renting a property for the first time.

Viewing a Property

What do I need to consider before I view a property?

Renting from a private landlord need not be a bad experience. There are many good landlords in Swansea who offer quality, safe and affordable accommodation for students. I would however view a minimum of three properties within your price range and area that you wish to live in.

It is advisable to be prepared when viewing a property so you know what to look for before you visit.

• Find out if the property is worth visiting by obtaining as much information as you can by telephone. Ask lots of questions.

• Try and compile a list of what you expect to be provided from the property i.e. microwave etc. before your viewing. If you are viewing many properties this will be very useful as you will be able to check the list as you go round.

• Ask a friend or relative to accompany you or anyone whose opinion you trust. They may draw your attention to something that you might have missed. There is also the issue of security.

• Find out exactly where the property is by checking the street address on a map.

• Re-confirm your appointment with the landlord. Some landlords do not contact people with whom they have arranged an appointment if they have already found a tenant.

Never view accommodation alone. Always make sure you contact someone and tell them the property address, the time you are expected to view and always leave a contact telephone number.

What to check for when viewing a property?

Attention will need to be given to things such as appliances, lighting, heating and plumbing. You should check everything and take time to view the property at your own pace. Never let the landlord or agent rush you.

• All properties should be in good state of repair but if there are any changes or repairs to be made, make sure you list them and get the landlord to agree to them. State that you will sign the agreement on the understanding that the repairs or alterations are carried out.

• The security of the property is very important, Check the door and window locks work and are of good standard.

• Make sure all appliances work and check what condition the boiler is in.

• The property should also be checked in the evening as well as daytime although for safety reasons, a friend or family member should accompany you.

Useful Links

1. Housing Guides: (a) MicroSoft 'Word' document or, (b) pdf document

2. Gloucester Chambers, an alternative to Halls of Residence, situated close to Swansea Marina.

3. A five bedroom accommodation on Francis Street solely for Post Graduate students.

4. Gas Safety FAQs

5. CORGI - The national watchdog for gas safety

6. Fire Safety Advice

7. Tenancy Deposit Scheme - Tenants Information

8. Tenancy Deposit Scheme - Tenants Information (Welsh)

9. Tenancy Deposit Scheme - Landlords Information

10. Tenancy Deposit Information - Landlords Information (Welsh)